By Grace Hammond
The entire world had its eyes on Bad Bunny and his halftime show performance at Super Bowl LX. As one of the biggest global artists right now, his appearance on such a massive stage was one that people were highly anticipating. The performance blended reggaeton, trap, and pop, creating a high energy spectacle that connected with a wide range of viewers. By staying true to his sound and performing primarily in Spanish, Bad Bunny proved that global success doesn’t require artists to conform or assimilate to traditional American pop standards. Even with some criticism leading up to the event, the strong reaction from both the crowd and viewers online made it clear that his cultural relevance is still undeniable.
What made the performance especially powerful though, is that it was never just about the music; it functioned as a form of protest shaped by the current political climate in the United States. Leading up to the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny had canceled plans for U.S. tour dates specifically out of concern that fans could be targeted by U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement at his shows. He openly acknowledged fears that ICE agents could be present outside venues, putting his largely Latino fan base at risk. In that context, his decision to still perform on one of the biggest American stages becomes even more significant. It reframes the halftime show as something bigger than entertainment. More than history, it becomes a statement about visibility, resistance, and showing up despite a system that has made many communities feel unsafe.
One of the most impressive aspects of the performance was the setlist, which pulled from across his albums and different stages of his career. This gave the show a kind of retrospective feel, reminding audiences just how versatile he is as an artist. He moved effortlessly between different sounds and moods, showing why he’s been able to dominate multiple genres at once. More than just a performance, it felt like a statement about his longevity and impact. By the end it was clear that this wasn’t just about entertaining – it reinforced Benito’s legacy as someone who can balance cultural expression with mainstream appeal in a way that few artists can.
The cultural references throughout the performance added another layer of meaning, especially for Puerto Rican viewers and the diaspora. The inclusion of Toñita’s Caribbean Social Club was especially powerful, since it’s one of the last remaining Puerto Rican spaces in
Williamsburg, a neighborhood that has been heavily gentrified over time. That moment grounded the performance in real community history and made it about more than music. At the same time, the use of power line props during “El Apagón” worked as a clear visual metaphor for the privatization of Puerto Rico’s power grid and the ongoing neglect the island has faced. It showed how Bad Bunny uses his platform to not just celebrate culture, but also call attention to political and social issues – something that he has consistently done throughout his career.
There were also several moments that focused on legacy and the future. When Bad Bunny handed a Grammy to a young boy on stage, it felt symbolic of him passing down inspiration and opportunity to the next generation. Something that many Latinos and other minorities have never been able to see on such a renown and glorified stage. It highlighted how his success can open doors for others and encourage younger artists to dream bigger. The mix of older and younger performers throughout the show reinforce this idea of continuity, showing how culture is carried forward and reshaped over time. These moments made the performance feel more personal and meaningful, rather than just another large-scale production.
Another standout element was how the performance played with cultural crossover, especially when a song by Lady Gaga was written into a salsa version. Taking a song that’s widely loved by American audiences and transforming it into a Caribbean style flipped the usual direction of influence. Instead of adapting to mainstream culture, Bad Bunny brought mainstream elements into his own world. All together the performance showed his ability to blend cultures, genres, and messages seamlessly. In the end, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance can’t be understood as just another halftime show – especially given the backlash and criticism surrounding his role as a headliner. Instead, it became a defining cultural moment that blended music, identity, and political expression into one cohesive statement. From the setlist to the symbolism, every element highlighted not only has artistic range but also his commitment to representing his community on his own terms. By stepping onto one of the most visible stages in the world amid controversy, while also acknowledging the realities many of his fans face, he turned the performance into something far more meaningful than entertainment. Ultimately, Bad Bunny’s halftime show proved that even in the face of criticism, mainstream platforms can be used to challenge norms, amplify marginalized voices, and redefine what global success looks like.
